An earlier version of this article had an incorrect name for the president of the Friends of Women's Studies board.

Who ever said a brighter feminist future couldn't be funny?

“We can all agree laughter is the best medicine,” said Katherine Elder, president of the Friends of Women’s Studies board at Old Dominion University. Maybe that’s why, in such trying times, she chose improv comedy as her fundraising activity for the group that “fosters feminist education through scholarships and student initiatives.”

“It’s been a rough political climate lately, and people are stressed no matter what side of the aisle you’re on,” Elder said via email. “We want to offer a night of reprieve while still supporting our students and programs in the department.”

So they’re turning nearby bar 37th and Zen into a comedy theater for one-night. Improv for the Cause will feature the Plan B Comedy group associated with Zeiders American Dream Theater in Virginia Beach.

Although it’s a feminist organization, the subject of each skit will be “all spur-of-the-moment and always a fun time,” Elder said. “If you’ve ever seen one of their shows you’ll know they ask for a lot of audience participation during their games.”

This could include anything from what accent the actors should speak in, to what the characters’ jobs are, to ideas for setting the scene.

Gifts from small local businesses will be raffled off, including an ODU growler by Norfolk Growler, a fancy bottle from Stellar Wine Co., Hot House Yoga classes and Reiki Rising Arts' “energy healing surprises” in a Metaphysical Gift Pack.

Funds would help students who are doing unpaid internships at the Refugee Center in Newport News, studying to become doulas, studying abroad and exploring entrepreneurialism.

“Through the Friends of Women's Studies, students are supported with three endowed scholarships, a range of mentoring and career preparation opportunities and a diverse support system that draws from alumna and invested advocates for feminist education," Elder said.

The department has been around for 30 years, and in that time has gained “a wide foundation of colleagues, community leaders, educators, and alumnae to provide rich opportunities for engagement and dialogue.” They’ve continued their mission through “a series of speakers and events for the wider community,” like the show this Friday.

It’s the organization’s way “to offer a fun event that is more accessible to younger generations who may not have the means to write large donation checks,” she said. “We want them to still be involved and feel like they can contribute on their own level. A mere $25 gets you a drink and a donation to a brighter future, with the knowledge you’re contributing to an organization that cares about the community."

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